Between 1483 and 1487, during the pontificate of Sixtus IV, the Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere (future Pope Julius II) financed the building of the Castle, by assigning the works to the architect from Florence Baccio Pontelli (inscription on the access door to the courtyard).

The complex, which is an example of Renaissance military architecture, is made up of a peripheral system of casemates (shot rooms), which joint three turret masts, the main of which includes the previous tower wanted by Pope Martin V.

The course of the Tiber, decisive for the settlement of the Village, conditions together with the last one, the triangular-shaped plan of the Fort, whose main function is the vigilance and defence of the river.

INFORMATION

Archaeological Service of Ostia
Via dei Romagnoli 717 - 00119 Ostia Antica (RM)
tel. +39 0656358099 - fax +39 065651500

Julius II’ s Castle: Free entry

Duration of the visit: 1 hour

Open to the public: weekdays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday also from 02:00 p.m. to 04:00 p.m.

Closed to the public:  1st January; 1st May; 25th December.

Note: the entry is not allowed to more than 25 people, which have to be attended by a security officer.